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Lay’s Potato Chip Recall: FDA Raises Alarm Over Undeclared Milk Allergen

Federal health authorities have recently escalated their recall of 13-ounce bags of Frito-Lay potato chips, citing concerns that the undisclosed presence of milk in the products could pose a severe health risk, potentially leading to fatal consequences for some consumers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed in a statement that Frito-Lay had voluntarily initiated a recall of a limited batch of these potato chips last month, following a customer complaint regarding the issue.

The FDA highlighted the critical nature of the recall, emphasizing that individuals with milk allergies or severe sensitivities face the imminent danger of experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction upon consuming the affected product. Describing the recall as a “Class 1” alert – the highest risk level classification – the federal agency warned that the ingestion of these chips could result in severe adverse health outcomes or even death. Milk, recognized as one of the FDA’s eight major food allergens, can trigger a range of serious allergic responses in susceptible individuals, including hives, cramps, dizziness, swollen vocal cords, and loss of consciousness, underscoring the urgency of the recall.

Frito-Lay promptly reassured consumers that, to date, no reports of allergic reactions linked to the recall had been received. The company clarified that only the 13-ounce bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips with a specific “guaranteed fresh” date of February 11 and manufacturing codes starting with “6462307xx” or “6463307xx” are affected by the recall, ensuring that other Lay’s products, flavors, sizes, and variety packs remain safe for consumption. Individuals who have purchased the recalled chips are strongly advised to immediately discard them, particularly if they or someone in their household suffer from a milk allergy.

The Lay’s recall aligns with a broader pattern of undeclared allergens in food items, as observed by the FDA in recent months. In January alone, several products were recalled for failing to disclose milk and other allergens within their ingredients. These products included NuGo Granola Bars, Pearl Milling Company Pancake & Waffle Mix, New York Mutual Trading Co. Monkfish Liver, and Monkey Spit Barbecue Sauces – the latter two also containing undisclosed wheat and soy. Additionally, Shirakiku Snack Corn Puffs were among the products recalled due to undeclared allergens beyond milk, such as wheat, eggs, soy, and almonds.

As the FDA vigilantly continues to address the issue of undeclared allergens in food products, consumers in Washington and Oregon are strongly urged to check their Lay’s Classic Potato Chips for the specific date and manufacturing codes mentioned above and dispose of them immediately if affected. For individuals with inquiries or concerns regarding the recall, Frito-Lay offers information and assistance, including potential refunds through the original point of purchase. The FDA stresses the importance of transparency in food labeling and the necessity for manufacturers to uphold stringent standards to safeguard consumer health in an ever-evolving landscape of food safety concerns.